Slow Maneuvers and Strategic Sensor Placement for Monitoring Transient Events in Water Distribution Networks: An Approach Based on the IRDM

Abstract

Water distribution networks (WDNs) face significant water losses, which compromise not only the sustainable management of water resources but also the energy efficiency of urban infrastructure systems. In this context, leak detection and location emerge as critical actions to reduce waste and improve network operation. This study proposes an innovative methodology that combines slow hydraulic transient maneuvers with strategic sensor placement to enhance leak detection capabilities in WDNs. The approach is based on the development of a hydraulic model that uses the Global Gradient Algorithm (GGA) for steady-state simulations and the Inertial Rigid Dynamic Model (IRDM) for unsteady-state conditions. By performing controlled valve operations, transient events are generated, and the resulting hydraulic responses are analyzed through sensitivity-based criteria to define the optimal locations for sensor deployment. The methodology was applied to the Modena network as a case study and demonstrated strong performance, particularly in identifying small leaks that are usually more difficult to detect. Comparative analyses indicate that while all methods show similar detection performance for large leaks, the proposed strategy offers clear advantages in scenarios involving smaller leak magnitudes. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid modeling approaches that integrate dynamic simulations with sensitivity analysis to support intelligent monitoring and proactive maintenance in water distribution systems. By improving the ability to detect early-stage anomalies, this methodology contributes not only to operational efficiency but also to the broader goals of resource conservation and system resilience in urban water management.